Washington D.C. — U.S. Representative Mike Rogers (AL-03), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, joined the McCrary Institute’s Cyber Focus podcast to discuss the evolving landscape of national security, cybersecurity threats, and Alabama’s expanding role in the nation’s defense infrastructure.
The McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security at Auburn University hosted the conversation as part of its ongoing mission to enhance U.S. resilience to cyber threats. Founded in 2015, the McCrary Institute has become a recognized leader in cybersecurity policy, applied research, and education. Its affiliation with Auburn’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering has helped position the university as a top-tier institution in both engineering and national defense innovation.
During the interview, Rep. Rogers emphasized concerns about current defense spending levels, noting that the U.S. is operating at approximately 2.9% of GDP for defense—an amount he described as “dangerously low,” and advocated for a target closer to 5%.
Rogers highlighted technological shifts within the military, pointing to the rise of unmanned systems in both air and sea domains. He noted ongoing developments involving swarms of drones and unmanned fighter jets as examples of how the military is adapting to modern threats with increased flexibility and innovation.
Addressing strategic vulnerabilities, Rogers pointed to Guam as a primary target in the event of a conflict with China, reinforcing the need for robust defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. He also expressed strong support for investment in space-based defense systems, referencing a project known as the “Golden Dome,” which would involve a network of low Earth orbit sensors and interceptors.
The discussion also touched on cybersecurity workforce development, where Rogers advocated for expanding scholarship opportunities to attract more young professionals to the field. He highlighted the role of the Southeast Region Cybersecurity Collaboration Center (SERC3), a project for which he helped secure funding, as a key initiative supporting both education and national preparedness.
Looking ahead, Rogers expressed confidence that U.S. Space Command will move forward with plans to establish its permanent headquarters in Huntsville, Alabama, citing conversations with contractors who are prepared to begin construction upon the official announcement.
Throughout the conversation, Rogers emphasized that future conflicts may increasingly be fought not with traditional weapons, but through cyberspace and orbital systems—areas where Alabama’s growing defense infrastructure is expected to play a pivotal role.
The full episode of Cyber Focus featuring Rep. Rogers is available to watch or listen online.
